By desertsniper Follow
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After a brief search of instructables I found a huge lack of quality rubber band guns. So that inspired me to develop a few concepts of my own. This is the simplest design I drew up. If it does well then I'll build and publish the others. The slide of this pistol moves when the trigger is pulled and will hold up to six rounds (rubber band) please vote and favorite! If you have any questions please ask!
See it in action here!
Table saw
Belt sander
Drill press
Scroll saw
Hammer
Punch set
Hack saw
Tape measure
Square
Drill bits
Clamps
1/8" MDF board
1/4" x 4" x12" wood (I used alder)
Wood glue
1/8" brass rod
Wood finishing products
Rubber bands (various sizes and small nylon for internals)
Sand paper
Small nails
I provided a rough sketch of the design I had thought up. I drew up the base template for the MDF sides (yellow on the drawing) and used that to base the middle part of the frame off and also the grips.
The slides were very easy. Cut to width shown on image, measure the length of the pistol and cut a half inch longer.
This step is probably the most difficult and crucial! On the 1" squared escapement wheel you need to find the center and drill it out to 1/8". this can not be off at all or the pistol will Not fire right! Cut a length of 1/8" brass rod and peen one end.
Sand the trigger to be slightly thinner then the main body. This will give it less friction and a smoother trigger pull.
This is a pretty simple design and is easily adapted to almost any pistol you would like.
Grab some clamps and glue, line up the part and glue it down. Make sure the MDF sides stay below the box in the front and also square with the top. I designed it that way so you can change the internal rubber band easily.
Then sand the pistol and slide flush.
I cut a few notches in the slide for look and some on the inside for function. I rounded the grips to fit my hand and the sliders to make it look better. I used some files to get the smaller areas clean and flush. Drill out the two pins that hold the slide to the frame. At this point you will also want to tinker with the mechanism so ensure it's working properly.
After every thing is sanded, glue the grips on and then do any finish sanding needed. Apply your choice of finish to your almost complete rubber band gun. I used oil and a wax based coating. After it cures enjoy your awesome new creation!
I can't wait to see what you guys make!
Please vote and favorite!
If this 'ible does well I have a few more designs that are more complex that I'd love to share.
See it in action here!
It appears the trigger has a weak spot and broke after a few days of use! You can see the repair and mod I made in the photo. I used 2 part epoxy to glue it. I suggest that as you make yours, you account for this and make a beefier trigger. It would not hurt to run some steel rod through the center of the trigger!
Here are a few trial and error rubber band guns I had worked on before this one was conceived.
Some were utter failures others were simi-successful.
